LONG BEACH - The passage of Proposition 30 may have prevented major cuts to programs, but schools are still struggling to offset years of state funding reductions, officials said.

The Long Beach Unified Board of Education on Tuesday unanimously approved a plan to eliminate summer school and freeze vacant positions next year in a round of budget reductions that would save up to $13.8 million.

While last month's passage of Gov. Jerry Brown's sales tax hike averted severe program cuts, the district is still facing a $20 million deficit this fiscal year, LBUSD officials said.

The district's structural deficit would have ballooned to $55 million next year had Prop. 30 failed, officials said.

The LBUSD is projecting a $57 million deficit by the end of the 2014-2015 fiscal year if it doesn't make reductions.

The first phase of proposed reductions for a savings of about $13 million includes: Eliminating grades six and seven at Burcham School, transportation reductions, eliminating summer school in 2013, cuts to special education, and freezing positions left vacant when teachers and other staff retire.

The district had proposed significantly reducing the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program for a savings of $1 million next year. The board, however, delayed a decision Tuesday, asking for more information on how the program would be reduced. The board is expected to vote on the issue at a later date.

AVID, a popular college prep program, has lost millions in state funding, forcing school districts to pick up the slack to maintain the program.

Speaking before the board on Tuesday, Tuan Nguyen, AVID coordinator at Cabrillo High School, said the program has been invaluable in helping underprivileged students gain leadership skills and prepare for college.

"The simple fact is (AVID) has done a great service not just as an educational program but as a social justice program for the west side," he said.

Board member John McGinnis was the first to ask for more details on the plan for AVID's future.

"I don't want to substantially reduce a program of this value without having more information," he said.

The board in coming months is expected to also consider other budget reductions, which could include more small school closures, reductions to programs and services, and other measures designed to safeguard the district's fiscal health, officials said.